Blister Package Ring Member Concealing Sealed Joint Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blister-type packages have an unattractive and uncomfortable peripheral plastic edge created when the outer shells are sealed together, limiting their overall acceptance for display and handling.
Innovation Solution
A ring member is positioned adjacent the outward facing surface of the back flange to conceal the joint between the front and back members, providing an aesthetically pleasing design and enhancing user comfort by spacing the edges away from contact during handling. The ring member can be a unitary, one-piece, or multi-piece member, secured with heat, pressure, or adhesive, and is preferably made of opaque material to cover the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer shells are sealed together to create a blister pack, then the product can be stored and displayed with good visibility, but an unattractive and uncomfortable peripheral plastic edge is created
Solution Approach 1:
A ring member is introduced as an intermediary element between the front and back members of the blister pack. This ring member covers the exposed peripheral edges and the sealing joint, thereby concealing the unattractive plastic edge while maintaining the structural integrity and sealing function of the package. The ring member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between functional sealing and aesthetic/handling quality.
2Ease of operation
If a ring member is added to cover the joint, then the appearance and handling comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it covers the sealing joint for aesthetic purposes, provides a comfortable surface for handling by covering the sharp peripheral edges, and can potentially provide structural reinforcement. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the design minimizes the increase in complexity while maximizing the benefits.
3Shape
If the ring member extends beyond the flange edges, then the aesthetic appearance and handling comfort are maximized, but the amount of material and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring member is designed with varying dimensions to provide optimal coverage only where needed. It extends beyond the flange edges in specific areas to cover the joint and provide comfortable handling surfaces, while not unnecessarily increasing material usage in all directions. This localized optimization ensures aesthetic and functional benefits are achieved with minimal material consumption.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A package includes a front member having a first surface and an opposing second surface and a front sealing surface surrounding the second surface. A back member including a first surface and an opposing second surface, a back sealing surface surrounding the second surface and a back flange extending from the back sealing surface. The back flange has an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. A joint secures the front sealing surface to the back sealing surface. A cavity is located between the second surface of the front member and the second surface of the back member. A ring member is positioned adjacent the outward facing surface of the back flange surrounding the back member.